Meet the Team

Sol Fest is brought to you by a team of creative professionals, who are natives and lovers of Erie, PA.

We’ve spent the earlier part of our lives traveling and living around the world - in more than 6 countries and 27 cities collectively! - and have all landed back in this beautiful city we call home.

Throughout our adventures, we’ve experienced first-hand the magic that happens when people gather in the name of health, wellness, music, movement and community. We wanted to create something similar (ahem - even better!) here in Erie and were waiting for the right inspiration to spark. In the fall of 2022, during a routine evening walk along the bay, we wandered into Liberty Park. The sun was setting to the right just as the full moon was rising on our left and we just KNEW.

A Summer Solstice Celebration! Right here!

2025 marks the 3rd year of Sol Fest Erie, and we hope it’s just the beginning of an epic annual tradition. Our team brings together diverse and extensive careers in Events, Retreats, Production, Film, Music, Restaurants, Logistics and Operations… perfectly complimenting one another’s skill sets and contributing our unique talents to the collective vision.

In other words - we know how to throw one hell of a party!!!

And we can’t wait to celebrate with you at Sol Fest Erie ~!

  • EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, EMCEE

    Monica Graves García is an International Speaker, Teacher and Retreat Host who has studied global health and wellness traditions for 17 years. She considers herself to be an “insatiable spirit nerd” and holds master certifications in Ayurveda, Meditation, Mindful Movement, Integrative Energy Work, Embodied Female Pleasure, and Holistic Leadership.

    Through a series of synchronistic, magic-like events, Monica found herself transitioned from a career in Marketing + Management into the world of consciousness-based wisdom traditions and soulful self-discovery. She spent over 6 years as a Master Educator and Retreat Host with The Chopra Center for Wellbeing in Carlsbad, CA., working under the mentorship of Dr. Deepak Chopra, Dr. David Simon and many other world-renowned visionaries. In 2015, she launched her company Soulbare Wellness, sold nearly all her belongings and started traveling full-time as an intentional nomad.

    Throughout her career, Monica has produced retreats/events from 10-500+ people in multiple countries across 3 continents. She's taught and spoken on stages for audiences as large as 4,000. She facilitates transformational programs that instigate healthy, vibrant, purpose-filled living within every person she meets.

    In 2021, she was ready to relocate back to the United States and knew that after 20 years living elsewhere… Erie was calling her home. Since her return, Monica has also become co-owner of Studio 99 Yoga & Wellness in Edinboro, PA and is an active participant in the diverse experiences that Erie has to offer.

    Monica says:

    ”These past 3 years have been such an epic journey of reconnecting with my hometown community! I’m grateful to have collected such a vast amount of wisdom that I get to share here through teaching classes and events. And I’m even MORE grateful to receive such rich culture and warm friendship from each and every person I (re)connect with here!

    I live my life by the undeniable science of 2025 – to truly live well within our families, communities and career... we MUST give ourselves the time, space and permission to truly BE well in every facet of our mind, body and soul. And I’m honored to create the space for YOU to do exactly that at Sol Fest!”


  • CREATIVE DIRECTOR

    Luis Carlos García is an International photographer and videographer, originally from Panama, with more than 25 years of experience in the audiovisual industry. After working for 3 production houses in his early career, Luis took a leap of faith and opened his own company, LCG Studios. Throughout his career, Luis Carlos has created different advertising campaigns, working in multiple national and international films / documentaries, and for prestigious brands worldwide. He's had the opportunity to travel through many countries capturing cultures and traditions that represent the pride of each individual.

    Currently, Luis Carlos focuses his work on cultural, anthropological documentation - with primary focus on preserving the origin of a centuries' old traditions and folklore. Luis Carlos has been touring Panama for four years, filming and photographing all the various forms of "Devil Dances" to show the world Panama's cultural history.

    A short list of Luis Carlos' past clients include: Biomuseo of Panama, Rubén Blades (international musician), Air Panama, Red Bull, Adidas, Reebok Central America and the Caribbean, Interenergy, Opera de Lyon, National Geographic, Discovery, and Unicef, among many others.

    Luis moved to Erie, PA in Dec 2021 with his wife Monica, and is quickly falling in love with Erie as his home. He's excited to contribute to the cultural education and celebration in this geographic region.

    Luis says:

    “Erie is a city with so much potential in tourism, arts, culture and wellness. Every day I am more surprised by the energy of this friendly and growing city. As a foreigner residing in Erie, I have discovered the cultural diversity and history that exists here and makes it even richer.

    From my perspective as a visual arts professional and traveler, I believe that Sol Fest will provide residents with a unique experience for physical/mental health; support local businesses and entrepreneurs, and will inspire the community in general.”


  • DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

    Tabatha began her career in Retail Operations and Sales in 2009. She fell into the industry almost by coincidence, and quickly found out that it would become a fulfilling 16+ year career path. She loved that no two days were the same. Each day provided the opportunity to meet new people and help them express their personal style through fashion. 

    In 2016, Tabatha was ready for a new adventure and decided to move to Boston. She loved the creative energy that the city brought into her life, and began bringing that creativity into her work as a Visual Merchandiser. It provided an opportunity to travel all around Boston to various retail locations and develop a new talent. Tabatha has a keen sense for the aesthetics of a space and really enjoys creating environments that evoke certain emotions.

    The only thing that was missing from her merchandising role was the opportunity to work directly with people, which has always been her first love. So when the opportunity to step into a General Management role opened up - she knew she had to take it! Tabatha loves being able to mentor her team members in their professional development, and influence the direction of the company culture. 

    After several years as GM in Boston, she was presented an opportunity to move back to her hometown of Erie, Pa. The time felt right to return to family and the familiar places she's always loved growing up... so in 2025, she's celebrating 4 years back in Gem City! 

    Tabatha says:

    “The best part (and one of the things I missed the most) about Erie is the summer season. There’s nothing better than having an endless list of events happening at Perry Square, Presque Isle, or Liberty Park. Being able to add Sol Fest to this list of activities is so exciting! It’s great to be apart of a team that is bringing something brand new and rewarding to the people of Erie.

    I feel that we so often forget to take care of our well-being and health, so a full day of exclusively focusing on THIS is exactly what everyone needs. I love this annual reunion where we get to see everyone in the Sol Fest community come together and focus on themselves!”

Audio Production Partner:

SYNERGY PRO AUDIO AND LIGHTING